Many believe the “woold balaclava jumper” shares an uncanny resemblance to blackface.
Gucci is issuing an apology over a “wool balaclava jumper” which many believe closely resembles blackface when worn up to the chin. It wasn’t until social media users pointed out the resemblance that it occurred to the fashion house that they were once again bordering on “racist imagery,” regardless of intention.
Today Gucci released their Balaclava Knit Top. Sigh. Really @Gucci? Really? pic.twitter.com/ETWKFhHVEB
— Mikeisha Daché (@MikeishaDache) February 6, 2019
“We can confirm that the item has been immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores,” Gucci expressed in a written statement posted via Twitter. “We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.”
Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper.
We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make.
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs— gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019
Social media’s successful intervention in the matter was bolstered by several, one Twitter user tweeted “Today Gucci released their Balaclava Knit Top. Sigh. Really Gucci? Really?” Among the outrage, a good majority have even called for Gucci’s “cancellation” in 2019.
GUCCI IS CANCELLED ALL 2019 🙅🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/YtGKdKZwqX
— 4amtravo (@TravieJx21) February 7, 2019
Other users were quick to point out the dubious timing of the sweater’s release: smack dab in the middle of Black History Month. The Fashion World will always be the last of the “members only” clubs to ignore the effects of sensitivity and/or sensibility on the grander scale. Hit us with your thoughts. Did you find the sweater offensive?
At this point Gucci playing in our face but y’all still gone shop happy black history month 🤦🏽♂️‼️ pic.twitter.com/vPTLvsA0TF
— Casanova (@weeezy___) February 7, 2019
Now where are all the celebrities that wear @gucci y’all still gonnawear this racist shit?! @gucci1017 @KeyshiaKaoir pic.twitter.com/njqiAEn5Rs
— Harlems' mother♋️ (@Mostly_hated) February 7, 2019
@NickCannon @souljaboy are ya'll still rocking with #Gucci after this Blanton blackface they were just selling? Please stop supporting these racist brands who don't give a bleep about our people, or the dollars we spend. #boycottGucci pic.twitter.com/F2izTK28XZ
— MizzAtlPeach(@MizzAtlPeach) February 7, 2019
It’s a tacky look, but it’s NOT blackface. What next? Ski masks aren’t okay, or wait, they are only okay in certain colors?
— Julie K. Nix (@JulieKNix) February 7, 2019
How does this keep happening with supposedly 'luxury' brands? No-one at Gucci clocked the similarity between the racist imagery of their $890 blackface jumper and Prada's keychain – the latter of which was pulled from stores less than two months ago? Or do they just not care? pic.twitter.com/pNxTbuJeXV
— Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff (@CharlieBCuff) February 7, 2019
First D&G
…then Prada…
…now Gucci
Y’all just playing with us now wtfmust y’all keep doing this blackface adjacent shit there are other colors in the fucking spectrum
Plus it’s ugly AF pic.twitter.com/pOaL7skHUd
— lilambivert™️ (@thefake_mimi) February 6, 2019
